Obituary of Alvin Mastbergen

Alvin John Mastbergen, the son of John and Emma (Baker) Mastbergen, was born on December 11, 1925 near Sheldon, IA. He spent his childhood in rural Melvin, and graduated from Melvin Public High School. He enlisted in the United States Army on September 30, 1946 and served his country for two years during the Korean War. On December 10, 1944, he was united in marriage to Florence Colshan in Cherokee, IA. The couple made their home on the Mastbergen family farm near Melvin. Alvin lived on that same farm for 70 years. They farmed and raised their five children: Sherry, Sue, John, Allen and Janet. During the winter months, Alvin also worked for Art’s Electric in Melvin. He enjoyed playing Bingo, fishing, and bowling when he was able. He was a member of the United Methodist Church, Melvin American Legion, served as a 4-H leader and Osceola County Extension Council. Alvin moved to Country View Manor in Sibley, IA in August of 2007. He passed away at the Osceola Community Hospital in Sibley on Wednesday, February 20, 2008 at the age of 82. Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Florence; five children and their families: Sherry Mastbergen and Francis Meister of Merrill, IA, Sue Mastbergen, John Mastbergen, Allen and Charlie Mastbergen, all of Melvin and Janet and Paul Kleinwolterink of Gilbert, IA; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; one sister Helen Jensen of Stockton, CA, In-laws: Bonnie and Marvin Brandt of Aurora, CO, Edith and Howard Wagner of Elk Point, SD, Lois Redden of Sioux City, IA and Arnold Dwire and friend Patti Tjepkes of Ashton, IA; many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents: one grandson Charles Egdorf; one sister and her husband Jeanette and George Rubsam; two brothers-in-law Dale Jensen and Eugene Redden.